Issue 18-39: Average Weekly Earnings

February 23, 2018

Average weekly earnings of payroll employees in British Columbia (seasonally adjusted, current dollars) went up in December, increasing by $5.37 (+0.6%) to reach $956.91.

Compared to December 2016, average weekly earnings in British Columbia increased by 2.7%, ranking second among provinces (tied with Saskatchewan). Growth was spread across most sectors, with the largest gains recorded in management of companies and enterprises (+24.0), and real estate and rental and leasing (+15.9%).

Nationally, average weekly earnings grew by 0.2% compared to the previous month. Management of companies and enterprises (+6.5%), administrative and support, waste management and remediation services (+4.9%), and utilities (+4.8%) saw the largest increases for the month. Compared to December 2016, earnings increased by 2.3% to reach $992.87.

Earnings across the country ranged from a high of $1,419.91 in the Northwest Territories to a low of $832.99 in Prince Edward Island. Alberta had the highest average weekly earnings among provinces in December, at $1,135.29.

Note that average weekly earnings change due to a number of factors including wage growth, changes in occupation or job experience, changes in the average work week, and changes in the number of people employed in different industries.

Average Weekly Earnings 2017

British Columbia average weekly earnings grew by 2.5% in 2017, to reach $942.01. The increase was second largest among provinces. Management of companies and enterprises (+9.7%), and utilities (+5.4%) saw the largest gains in the year.

Earnings across the country increased by 2.0% in 2017, led by Quebec (+2.8%). All provinces and territories saw an increase in earnings for the year, with the exception of the Northwest Territories (‑0.4%). Prince Edward Island saw the smallest gain among provinces growing 0.3% compared to 2016.

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